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Anthony Davis is expected to return to action for the Los Angeles Lakers within the next few games.
Davis, who has been out since Dec. 16 with a navicular bone spur/stress injury in his right foot, is on track to suit up either against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday at Crypto.com Arena, or, perhaps more likely, against the Boston Celtics on Saturday in a nationally-televised contest that marks the first stop on a daunting five-game road trip for Los Angeles, according to the latest update from ESPN's Dave McMenamin:
“It's imminent,” McMenamin said of Davis' return.
Dave McMenamin with the latest on Anthony Davis video courtesy of @ESPNNBA: pic.twitter.com/CIFsq2dcsp
— The Lakers Review (@TheLakersReview) January 24, 2023
The Celtics matchup will mark exactly six weeks since Davis went down against the Denver Nuggets. AD has been ramping up his activity level over the past two weeks. He recently participated in full-contact portions of practice and played with the Lakers' “stay ready” group of non-rotation and young players who scrimmage after practice.
The Lakers have admirably clawed their way to a 10-9 record in AD's absence thanks to the production of LeBron James and Russell Westbrook, a generally favorable schedule, and scrappy contributions from folks like Thomas Bryant, Dennis Schroder, and Wenyen Gabriel. Los Angeles could soon see key wings Lonnie Walker IV and Austin Reaves return, as well, and will add Rui Hachimura to the frontcourt rotation this week.
Los Angeles entered Tuesday at 22-25, 12th in the Western Conference but only 2.5 games away from the No. 5 seed.
Davis was playing MVP-caliber ball before his injury. He's averaging 27.4 points, 12.1 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting 59.4% from the field. His presence almost single-handedly gives the Lakers an elite defense.
